i recently came across this video online. It’s about a woman who didn’t want to continue paying exorbitant amounts for rent and/or mortgage, so she started researching tiny houses. That led her to start researching minimalism in general. And, finally, she had this crazy idea to move into a van! A VAN!!

The comments were pretty mixed. Some hailed her as a genius, but others described her as cheap and/or homeless (due to lack of physical address).

In the video, the woman says she had $40k of student loan debt, which she was able to pay off in one year thanks to not having a monthly rent or mortgage bill.

What do you think? How far would you go to become debt-free? What’s the wildesttt/wackiest thing you have done in the past? We used to DIY our baby wipes when our kids were still in diapers That was a little “out there.”

3 Comments

It’s been awhile since I watched it, but I really enjoyed the documentary “Minimalism.” I don’t recall anyone going to such extremes, but plenty of stories of living with very little. I’ve also come across some recent articles on “death cleanings,” a practice done in some Scandinavian countries. I know consumerism drives a large part of our economy, but I’m opting out in the new year. I’m tired of shopping for stuff, cleaning stuff, organizing stuff, paying for stuff. It’s not fulfilling, and I know we have plenty already. I’m hoping this goal will spur some creativity, free up some money, and give me more time.

I’m fascinated with the idea of tiny houses. Not an option for me currently with my menagerie of fur babies, but maybe one day. I’ve definitely buying less “stuff” these days and constantly working on purging what I have.

I think it totally makes sense for her circumstances and as a temporary-ish choice. I don’t think someone with more personal ties could make it work as easily. Add in a kid or a pet and that exact choice gets complicated. But there are definitely people who make it work living a boat lifestyle or an RV life part or full time. I think it really comes down to if it is a good fit for your priorities and life circumstances.